Pathway Grant

Geographic Scope: Montgomery County, Maryland

Purpose: Support start-up or recently established adult ESOL classes. Funding is used for direct costs of adult ESOL classes and may be used for childcare during instruction if the budget allows. Includes Program Development Assistance consultation and ongoing program support.

What This Grant Can Support

• Classes that are drop-in (adult learners may join at any time during a session/semester)
• Start-up or recently established adult ESOL classes
• Programs that offer fewer than 120 hours of instructional time per learner per year
• Direct costs of adult ESOL classes
• Childcare during instruction (if budget allows)
• Program Development Assistance consultation at the outset of the grant period if needed
• Program advice and support throughout the year

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be nonprofit groups that are incorporated in the state of Maryland
• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is NOT required (unlike Program and Access Grants)
• Be previous year recipients of grants of $7,500 or less, OR
• Be new applicants for start-up/recently established programs
• NOT be eligible if applying for Program Grant and/or Access Grant
• While applicants can have offices outside Montgomery County, beneficiaries should be Montgomery County residents or employed in Montgomery County

Funding Notes

• Total MCAEL grants program announced $1,505,853 in FY25
• Includes dedicated technical assistance and program support

Contact Information

Address: 9210 Corporate Blvd., Suite 480, Rockville, MD 20850

Application Process

1. Review Grant Guidelines and application documents available on MCAEL website
2. Complete App Data and Budget Workbook (requires Excel or Google Sheets)
3. Access the MCAEL Grant Portal to submit application
4. Refer to MCAEL's Interactive maps and analysis when developing application

Required Materials

• Completed application form
• Budget workbook with detailed expenses
• Organization documentation (nonprofit incorporation in Maryland)
• Program information (class format, hours of instruction, start-up/establishment details)
• Proposal for Program Development Assistance if desired

Support Available

• Q&A sessions with MCAEL staff (typically offered in March before application deadline)
• Grant Information sessions (recordings available if missed)
• Technical assistance available via email at program@mcael.org
• Applicants can request assistance if they need help with Excel or Google Sheets
• Dedicated Program Development Assistance consultation as part of grant award

Important Notes

• Cannot apply for this grant if also applying for Program Grant or Access Grant
• Technical assistance and program support included throughout grant period

Questions

For questions about whether your organization aligns with MCAEL priorities, contact MCAEL directly.